WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Westmoreland Public Health Department is urging parents and school administrators to remain alert following an increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among children attending schools across the parish.
Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, said the highly contagious viral illness has mainly affected students in basic, infant and early childhood institutions, with some primary schools also reporting cases.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation on Thursday, Dr. Graham said the Health Department has intensified its response to contain the spread of the disease.
She noted that the majority of reported cases have been concentrated in the eastern and central sections of the parish, with relatively few cases recorded in western Westmoreland.
According to Dr. Graham, public health inspectors and health educators have been visiting affected schools to provide guidance and implement targeted interventions once cases are identified.
She explained that the Health Department often becomes aware of infections through patients seeking medical care rather than reports from schools.
To help curb transmission, the department is also using WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms to educate parents and caregivers about prevention measures.
Dr. Graham stressed that good hand hygiene and regular sanitisation of toys and shared surfaces are critical in reducing the spread of the virus.
She also urged parents to keep children at home if they are sick until they have fully recovered, warning that summer school activities could continue to fuel transmission.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects children under five years old, although older children and adults can also become infected. Symptoms typically include fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, painful mouth sores, and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet.
Most cases are mild and resolve within about a week with supportive care.
